Agenda topics
The conference is set around six core themes
The expanding small cells eco-system: An industry in growth
As 2025's SCF Market Forecast report shows, small cell deployments are forecast to grow, rising to a 9.4% CAGR through 2030. This session will set the scene with the latest 2026 forecast figures, followed by keynote presentations from global MNOs, world-leading vendors and industry analysts and experts on the state of the industry and the key areas of innovation and change. It will also dive into how flexible and innovative regulation will be vital in helping the industry achieve best-case deployment forecasts.
Next generation networks for venues – the new wave of connectivity demand
Following our popular stadiums connectivity sessions at SCWS we are broadening our discussion to the solutions and technologies delivering next generation connectivity for a range of places from sports venues to campuses, retail venues and ports. Hear from venue owners on their plans, requirements and challenges and from vendors and service providers with case studies on the very latest deployments and technologies meeting this growing demand.
Open networks and sharing frameworks – are we nearly there?
Open, interoperable networks has always been part of SCF's mission for many years, and this landscape continues to evolve and change every year. Bringing in speakers from collaborating organizations such as O-RAN Alliance and the OAI we will discuss the roadmap and also look at how sharing frameworks such as JOTS, MOCN and MORAN and going to play a pivotal role for a range of deployment scenarios.
Future networks; from AI to satellites
Our industry is moving at pace. Small cells and related technologies are now part of a broad wireless eco-system that includes private networks, Non-Terrestrial Networks, AI-RAN, Edge AI and will eventually be moving towards a range of 6G solutions. Alongside this, small cells will have an important role to play in more sustainable, energy efficient networks. Hear from leading global experts on what is being done now to ensure the technologies and networks of the future are fit for purpose and will be commercially viable for the industry and users.
Private, enterprise and edge networks
With small cells and related technologies integral to many private networks and enterprise scenarios, whether indoor or out – or most often a mix of the two – we will discover how innovation across the eco-system is enabling the delivery of secure and reliable networks and how edge is bringing innovation in systems that improve the end user experience.
Neutral host in-building solutions and mission critical applications
The growth of neutral host networks in recent years has opened the door to a range of new applications and business models. By harnessing new service provider models, in-building cellular connectivity can become a commercial reality for venues large and small and they can also support mission critical and emergency scenarios indoors and outdoors. This session will host the announcement of a new SCF work item looking at FR3 spectrum for indoor deployment, led by Saudi regulator CST.